The Falcons celebrated their four seniors, who accounted for seven of the 16 goals.
By Brian Katkin
It was senior night Friday at Good Counsel, but if there was one thing to take away from the Falcons’ 16-2 win over Paul VI, it was that the girl’s lacrosse program will be in good hands for the next few years with underclassman sisters Shannon and Kelly Lechner.
Shannon, a sophomore, and Kelly, a freshman, both started the game, but saw limited action because of the special day for the four seniors on the Good Counsel’s roster. Still, the two sisters combined for five goals, including the first four.
“We’ve been playing with each other since kindergarten, so it’s really nice her being a freshman and me being a sophomore,” Shannon said, “We really connect with each other and we know where each other is … We just know how each other plays so we kind of benefit.”
The Falcons face a tough stretch over the next couple of days and the opportunity to rest some of the lineup’s mainstays was not surprising.
“It was expected because we had a game today and will play again tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday,” Shannon said. “Coach said he wanted to rest us up and have the seniors play the whole game.”
Before the game, the school honored the seniors and invited their families to join them on the field. Senior Whitney Eagleson had a particularly special guest in attendance. Her grandmother from North Carolina came to see her play for the first time.
“The class started with 21 players and there’s only four left so it’s a tough program to make it through,” Coach Michael Haight said. “But when you make it through, like tonight, it comes to fruition. Hopefully it’ll culminate with a championship at the end of the year.”
While Good Counsel’s offensive fireworks were on display, the defense stifled the Panthers right from the start. Paul VI won the opening draw, but only held the ball shortly and didn’t regain possession until nearly five minutes into the opening half.
The defense, anchored by Navy-bound goalie Elaina Ponchione, simply stalled out nearly all of the Panthers’ offensive drives, playing particularly aggressively and recording three yellow cards. The Falcons opened the game 4-0 before Lydia Miller of Paul VI put the Panthers on the board with just under 10 minutes to go in the first half. Senior Kristen Oakey led the Falcons in scoring with four goals.
It was their special night and the seniors certainly made it one to remember. The four of them, accounted for seven of the 16 goals. The Falcons’ young roster, which includes 16 underclassmen, will look heavily to its own seniors as the season winds down and Good Counsel defends its WCAC championship.
“I definitely feel the pressure (to defend the title), but I’m also really excited to lead the team,” said senior Mary Swarthout. “All the seniors are ready. We’re ready to lead us to the next championship.”